Protecting Your EBT Benefits: Strategies to Prevent Theft and Keep Your Information Safe

Thieves stealing SNAP benefits in California has become a big problem. People getting these benefits, also known as EBT benefits, need to be careful to keep their information safe from different types of thefts.
 

What is EBT Theft?
 

• Skimming: Some thieves put a special device on card machines which can then collect card details so they can steal benefits.
• Scamming: This is when tricksters fool people into giving out their EBT card numbers, their secret PIN, or personal details like their Social Security numbers.

You should know these EBT theft strategies, as they may also happen in your state.
 

What to Do if Your Benefits Are Stolen:

If you think someone has stolen your EBT benefits, here's what to do:
 

• Call the EBT customer service immediately at 877-328-9677 or contact your social worker at 707-253-4511.
• You also have to fill out a form called EBT 2259 to report the theft, and if cash benefits were taken, you need to fill out an extra form, the EBT 2259A.

 

How to Keep Your EBT Benefits Safe:
 

1. Never tell anyone your PIN and change it often, especially before you get your benefits added to your card.
2. Always check your EBT account for any sign that someone else is using it and change your PIN right away if something looks wrong.
3. Look carefully at card readers before using them and hide the keypad when you enter your PIN to keep it secret.
4. Don't trust strange messages or phone calls that say they are from CalWORKs or EBT and want your personal information. If this happens, instead of answering, call your local county office to check if the message was real.
5. Be careful using ATMs that look odd or ask you to put in your PIN more than once.

If you find out your card has been hacked, tell the EBT folks right away so they can cancel the card. But keep in mind they might not give back any benefits that thieves took before you let them know about the theft.

And just a tip to keep your personal details safe in general: Don't give out your personal information unless you need to, throw away important papers securely, and keep your electronics (like your phone or computer) safe from hackers.
 

Bottomline

Awareness and knowledge are key to keeping yourself safe from EBT theft. 

By following the recommended safety measures and promptly reporting any suspected theft, you can help safeguard your benefits and prevent unauthorized access to your EBT account.

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